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Flavorful Elote Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Cotija and Lime Crema

elote street corn pasta salad - featured image
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A vibrant and creamy pasta salad inspired by Mexican street corn, featuring charred corn, crumbly Cotija cheese, and a tangy lime crema. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears, or frozen if out of season)
  • 1 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lime
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add fresh corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until kernels are lightly browned and have some char spots, about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry before charring. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, juice and zest of 1 large lime, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Add the charred corn to the cooled pasta. Stir in 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño if using. Toss gently to mix.
  5. Pour the lime crema over the pasta and veggies. Toss everything together to coat evenly. If the salad seems dry, add a little extra sour cream or a splash of lime juice.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry. Before serving, give it a gentle toss and adjust salt or lime juice if needed.

Notes

Use fresh corn when in season and char it over a gas flame or cast iron pan for best flavor. Frozen corn can be used if thawed and drained well. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt and Cotija with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Jalapeño seeds add heat, remove for milder flavor. Salad tastes best after chilling for at least 30 minutes. Reserve some Cotija cheese to sprinkle on top before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote, street corn, pasta salad, cotija cheese, lime crema, summer salad, Mexican street food, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/flavorful-elote-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-cotija-and-lime-crema/